Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) (2024)

FAQs

Why is it so hard to get a POTS diagnosis? ›

POTS diagnosis can be complicated because the symptoms can affect a wide range of organ systems, and the most bothersome symptom for each patient may differ. In most instances, symptoms have been present for months before the diagnosis is made.

The main distinguishing symptoms of POTS are: A rapid increase in the heartbeat of more than 30 beats per minute. A heart rate that exceeds 120 beats per minute, within 10 minutes of standing.

The active stand test can be used to diagnose PoTS. Under careful supervision, heart rate and blood pressure are measured after resting lying down, then immediately upon standing and after 2, 5 and 10 minutes. This test may bring on symptoms of PoTS and some people may feel unwell or faint.

You're at a higher risk of developing POTS after experiencing the following stressors: Significant illnesses, such as viral illnesses like mononucleosis or serious infections. Pregnancy. Physical trauma, such as a head injury.

POTS does not appear in the SSA Blue Book, but it can still qualify you for Social Security disability benefits as a nervous system disorder. However, due to the varying nature of POTS, the specifics of your condition and its symptoms will determine how you proceed in your application for disability benefits.

While some of the physical symptoms of POTS overlap with the symptoms of anxiety, such as tachycardia and palpitations, POTS is not caused by anxiety. POTS patients are often misdiagnosed as having anxiety or panic disorder, but their symptoms are real and can severely limit a person's ability to function.

Many physicians do what is known as a “poor man's POTS test.” This test involves having the patient lie down and take their heart rate, then wait two minutes and stand the patient up and take heart rates over a ten minute period of time to see if the criteria are met, that is a heart rate increase over 30 beats per ...

POTS can be diagnosed a couple of ways:

You can use the Stand Test for POTS app to track changes in heart rate during this test. If you have an automatic blood pressure cuff at home, you can use it to monitor blood pressure and pulse for you.

Urine tests may also be done. Blood tests for levels of stimulatory nerve transmitters may be performed also to help differentiate between the different types of POTS.

Autonomic Nervous System and the Heart

Recently it was demonstrated that patients with POTS may have a low-normal left ventricular mass and size, which has been termed as the Grinch syndrome.

Why did I suddenly develop POTS? ›

POTS often begins after a pregnancy, major surgery, trauma, or a viral illness. It may make individuals unable to exercise because the activity brings on fainting spells or dizziness.

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in adolescence. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is one of the most common forms of chronic orthostatic intolerance in the general population.

These findings, along with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (most commonly lightheadedness and fatigue), must be present for at least three to six months for a person to be diagnosed with POTS.

Include current and most troublesome symptoms (even if it is not present that day), and describe how debilitating the illness is.

The average diagnostic delay for a POTS patient is 5 years and 11 months. Only 25% of patients are diagnosed within the first year of symptoms. 50% of patients traveled more than 100 miles from home to receive POTS related medical care.

POTS is a poorly understood and controversial clinical entity with lack of awareness and knowledge regarding the syndrome by the majority of medical specialists. Its complex and wide range of clinical presentation has led to being commonly mistaken with malingering, depression and anxiety disorders.